Julie and Julia Inspiration

(A Mindy Post) Last night I watched almost all of Julie and Julia (with 30 minutes left I remembered that the dogs were at home alone ALL DAY and probably up to naughty business, so the movie will be continued).  First the first time in a great while I actually felt inspired by a movie.  

This probably seems an odd choice for an 'ispirational film'  - most people would look to something like "The Blind Side" for that.  But, since early January, I have been cooking - actually cooking - something I have never truly done before.  I pay attention to ingredients, weekly fliers at local grocery stores, I actually read my Cooking Light magazine (to which I have been subscribed for over a year), I ordered Real Simple magaine, I installed 3 recipe finders on my iPod touch, I print recipes and then use them - and - I organized my pantry.  I now buy canned tomatoes in bulk and large packages of meats (which are then broken down into useful sizes in ziploc bags and frozen) from Sam's Club, and try to plan weekly evening meals for us (and even friends sometimes!).  This is an entirely new way of looking at the world of food.  I have transformed from "I'm not a cook, have no interest" into "I can completely manage this and practice to become better, and enjoy it along the way."  I think Christopher quite likes it too (except that one night of beef pot pie....ugh....). 

The film Julie and Julia inspired and reminded me that most people, in most cases, can do anything if they are motivated and use their skills with purpose.  It also reminded me that people are multidimensional and quick to forget about the other important pieces of their lives when they find something new to enjoy.  I didn't feel like the movie developed the character of Julie's husband very well at all, but his actions were the most poignant to me in terms of a lesson. Love your food and your projects, but love your people first and best, always.  More to come on the topic of food, love, cleaning, pets, and randomness.